2012 cadillac cts Model Overview

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When the current-generation Cadillac CTS Sport Sedan debuted in the 2008 model year, we were so blown away, we named it the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Since then Cadillac has refined the CTS, adding a coupe and wagon, plus a high-performance CTS-V variant.

Cadillac continued to refine the CTS Sport Sedan, Coupe, and Sport Wagon for the 2012 model year. Cadillac has tweaked the optional 3.6-liter V-6 for 2012. This year, power rises from 304 hp to 318 hp, while torque goes up slightly from 273 to 275 lb-ft, and fuel economy remains the same. Cadillac also gives the CTS’ a reworked grille that takes styling cues from Cadillac sedans of the 1960s, and created a new Touring Package complete with pieces from the CTS-V as an available option.

While it may be starting to show its age in some aspects, the Cadillac CTS Sport Sedan, Coupe, and Sport Wagon remains one of the best American luxury cars you can buy today. Cadillac offers three body styles, two V-6 engine options, a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission, as well as rear-, and all-wheel drive for those in the Snow Belt.

Cadillac has a few minor changes in store for the CTS Sport Sedan, Coupe, and Sport Wagon for the 2012 model year. The biggest news would have to be the 14-hp bump the optional 3.6-liter V-6 gets. Power rises from 304 hp to 318 hp, while torque goes up slightly from 273 to 275 lb-ft, and fuel economy remains the same. Cadillac also gives the CTS a reworked grille that takes styling cues from Cadillac sedans of the 1960s. Also new for the CTS in 2012 is the Touring Package. The Touring Package includes 18 or 19-inch wheels (depending on trim), a microfiber suede-trimmed steering wheel rim and shift knob (from the CTS-V), chrome door handles, sport alloy pedals, a sport grille, Midnight Sapele wood trim, Recaro performance seats (again from the CTS-V), and optional microfiber suede seat inserts.

The Cadillac CTS sedan, coupe, and wagon lineup is the poster child for Cadillac’s Art and Science design language. All three are angular, crisp, and modern, while still retaining traditional Cadillac cues that link the model to the brand’s past. For 2012 the CTS Sport Sedan, Coupe, and Sport Wagon all get a slightly reworked grille, which pays homage to Cadillac sedans of yore. For 2012 Cadillac will be offering three new paint colors on the CTS: Black Diamond Tricoat, Opulent Blue Metallic, and Mocha Steel Metallic.

Once among the best in the business, the CTS Sport Sedan, Coupe, and Sport Wagon’s interiors are starting to show their age. While the CTS triplets by no-means have a bad interior, quality is down a bit compared to its German rivals. Also in need of an update is the CTS’ navigation interface, and Bluetooth system (standard this year), which is difficult to use. Cadillac is also offering the CTS-V’s Recaro performance seats, microfiber suede seat inserts, sport alloy pedals, and Midnight Sapele wood trim in the new Touring Package on the CTS.

The Cadillac offers two engines, two transmission, and two drivetrain options in its CTS lineup. The CTS Sport Sedan and Sport Wagon are available with a 3.0-liter 270-hp and 223 lb-ft of torque V-6, while all three models are available with the 3.6-liter 318-hp 275 lb-ft V-6. Those interested in rowing their own gears are limited to the CTS Standard and Luxury Sport Sedan with the 3.0-liter V-6 in rear-drive; those looking to row their own gears with more power will have to take a step up to the CTS-V Sedan, Coupe, and Wagon. All three body styles are available with all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission, and either engine.

Cadillac didn’t make any safety changes to the 2012 CTS Sport Sedan, Coupe, or Sport Wagon. All CTS’ come standard with six airbags. Including a dual-stage driver airbag, dual-depth front-passenger airbag, driver and front passenger side seat-mounted pelvic and thorax side airbags, and a roof-rail side curtain airbag with rollover protection that protects both rows of passengers. The CTS also comes standard with traction control, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Rear park assist, and a rearview camera system are both available options.

2012 Cadillac CTS Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$35,915

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$18,850

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.

Units Affected

554328

Recall ID#11V536000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ABILITY TO BRAKE AND a vehicle CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 21, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE POWER VACUUM BRAKE BOOST PUSHROD RETENTION NUT MAY NOT BE TORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. IF THE NUT IS NOT TORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION, THE NUT COULD LOOSEN AND ALLOW THE PUSHROD TO SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL.

Remedy

CADILLAC DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER VACUUM BRAKE BOOST PUSHROD RETENTION NUT, AND IF NECESSARY, TORQUE THE NUT TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.

2012 Cadillac CTS News and Reviews

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